Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani [Images] on Wednesday congratulated Barack Obama [Images] for his victory in the US Presidential election and said that he looks forward to further strengthening Pakistan-US ties and to "promote peace and stability in the region." "On behalf of people and the government of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on your election as the 44th President of the United States," Gilani said in a letter to Obama, who defeated powerful rival Republican John McCain [Images] to become first black President of the US.

"I hope that under your dynamic leadership, (the) US will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity," he said. "I look forward to more opportunities to discuss ways to further strengthen Pakistan-US relations and to promote peace and stability in our region and beyond," added Gilani.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who is in Saudi Arabia on official visit, also sent a message to Obama, congratulating his victory, state television reported. "Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States," Gilani said, adding the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the US has been source of inspiration for the millions around the world. He also sent a letter to Vice President-elect Joe Biden, congratulating him.